Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 51

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 51

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The marriage of Mr. Hulse with Mary E. Brooks took place in January, 1859. She was born Sept. 22, 1836, and was the daughter of Oscar Y. and Mary E. (Mapes) Brooks, who had a family of ten children, three of whom are still living. The father died in 1872 and the mother in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Hulse have six children, all living, as follows: Ab- bie L., Mary A., now Mrs. John Kelley; Hattie A., Susie S., John D. and Richard W. Mr. Hulse takes a place in the foremost rank of busy workers in the county, is a Republican in politics and may, indeed, be said to be " diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," and, with his wife and three children, is a consistent member of the Congrega- tional Church of Ontario, and one of its stanchest supporters.

illiam H. Beeson, member of the firm of Beeson & Son, manufacturers of brick and tile at Yates City, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1834. His father, Henry Beeson, was a native of the same county, while his grandfather, also Henry Bee- son by name, was originally from North Caro- lina. He was one of the pioneers of Highland County, Ohio, and was by occupation a farmer, spending the last years of his life in the county whose growth he had so attentively watched.

Henry Beeson, father of Wm. H., was married in Highland County to Elizabeth Beeson, a native of that county. He had learned the trade of millwright in his younger days, and after marriage bought a grist and saw mill in Highland County, continuing in the business until 1836, when he emigrated to Illinois, and settled on the north line of Fulton County. This was wild land, and upon it he erected a saw-mill, the

first in that section of the country. There he lived, operating his business for four or five years. Then, selling out, he bought a farm near Fairview, and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his days, which terminated in 1847. His wife survived him for several years, and took a keen interest in the advancement of their children, of whom there were four, our subject being the eldest.

William H. Beeson was but 13 years of age when his father died, but was extremely self-dependent and brave, and starting out from his home he cont- menced to earn his own living. His first work was a two months' situation, during which time he drove a team, breaking prairie land, and only received $5, which he was compelled to take out in merchandise from the store. After that he sought and accepted such employment as seemed to pay best, usually farming, bnt occasionally working in a brickyard. In 1855 he commenced in business for himself by open- ing a brickyard at Uniontown, in which he continued for two seasons. He was next engaged in farming, remaining in that pursuit until 1862, when, fired with the spirit that took the noblest and most cour- ageous men from their homes, he enlisted under the · X . banner of his country Aug. ro of that year. He was mustered into Co. G, 83d Ill. Vol. Inf., joined the regiment at Monmouth, went South and there united with the Army of the Cumberland. He served until the close of the war, one of the best and most uncom- plaining and worthy soldiers in the Union army, and did garrisron duty at Clarksville and Nashville, Tenn., for some months during the last year of his service. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., with the regiment, and went to Yates City, Ill., bearing with him the full consciousness of duty done. Soon after his arrival he returned to his old employment of brickmaking, at which he continued for one year. His next move was to Maquon, where he opened a yard on his own account and received a hearty and united patronage up to the year 1875, at which time he added tilemaking to his business. In 1882 he came to Yates City and established himself, and is now one of its most prosperous business men.

Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Beeson, Hamrick lives in Seward, Neb., Alfred died in infan- cy, and the two remaining are Porter and Pearl. Por- ter is associated with his father in business, and was born Jan. 18, 1862. He was married Jan. 18, 1883, to Miss Elizabeth Meeks, daughter of Joseph and

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Minerva Meeks. To them has been born one child, named Edward P. Beeson. Politically they are Re- publicans.

„harles Carlton is one of the prominent citizens and active merchants of Oneida, dealing in groceries, etc. He came to Onei- da in 1867, and first engaged with J. B. Conyers, now deceased, as his bank cashier and manager of his mercantile establishment, then at this place. He was in the employ of Mr. C. till 187 1, when he established a grocery store, which he still carries on. One year of this period. 1873, he acted as bookkeeper and cashier for Mr. J. N. Con- ger, who was the owner of the bank at this place, and extensively engaged in cattle-buying, etc .; otherwise he has devoted his whole time to his present bus- iness.

He was born in London, England, May 11, 1842, and was the only child of Charles Carlton ; the maid- en name of his mother being Shekle, the latter dying when her son was only five years old. Both parents were natives of England and of pure English blood. The father kept a public house known as " Duke of · Wellington " tavern, located near the " Government Building," which proved to be a very profitable bus- iness, and enriched the family. The father died in August, 1863, at the age of 67 years. His father sent Charles at the age of six years to France to be educated in the schools of Guyenne, where he acquired a fine education in the French language, returning to London in 1856, taking up his residence with an uncle, James Jackson. He kept the “ Hyde Park Hotel " and acted as clerk for a commission mer- chant named John Newton, a dealer in fine Prussian wines, staying with him ten months, when he became keeper of the policy-books for the Mitre Life Insur- ance Company for one year.

In November, 1858, he sailed for the United States, landing in Portland, Me., in the same month, going thence to Toronto, Canada, and afterward to Chicago. In February, 1859, he went to Loda, Iro- quois Co., Ill. At that place he enlisted in the Union Army, believing it to be his duty to assist in pre- serving the government of his adopted country, en- listing July 30, 1861, in Co. G, 42d Iil. Vol. Inf., Capt. W. H. Booner, of the Cumberland Army, un-

der Gen. Sherman. He was soon after made Ser- geant Major of the regiment, just before the battle of Chickamauga, in 1863 ; afterward he became First Lieutenant of his own company, "G," and held the position until 1866, when he was honorably dis- charged, together with his regiment, at Port Lavaca, Texas, in January of that year. During his military service he participated in the battles of Farmington, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mount- ain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and the sanguinary battles of Franklin and Nashville. Brave- ly sharing all the dangers and perils of these con- flicts, he passed through them all unscathed, and, except the freezing of a limb while on picket in 1861, and the usual hardships of the war, escaped unhurt.

Receiving his discharge at Port Lavaca, he went to Chicago and engaged one year as clerk for Mr. J. M. Loomis, a hat dealer on Clark street, from whence he came to Oneida, and was engaged as above nar- rated. In 1868, feeling a natural desire to revisit the scenes of his youth, and other places, he made a tour of Europe, visiting France, Germany, Switzer- land and Old England, leaving America in June and returning in the fall of the same year.

Reverting to his early history again, he was mar- ried Aug. 2, 1869, in Oneida, to Miss Josephine L. Bowers, who was born at Quincy, Ill., in May, 1847, where she was raised and educated, being the daugh- ter of I. L. Bowers. Her father was a most accom- plished musician, his skill and taste in which fine art he seems to have transmitted to the daughter, of whom it is said that she is one of the most accom- plished in instrumental music in Knox County, or in the city of Oneida. Her father died in New Orleans in 1872. This happy family is blessed not only by the accomplished wife and cultured husband, but also by two charming daughters, whose presence and goodness brighten still more the refined home. Miss Helen, the eldest, was born July 16, 1870, and Miss Katie, November 24, 1871, and both, in addi- tion to the splendid home culture bestowed by the cultivated mother, have been well educated in the public schools of Oneida, and, as might well be ex- pected, are favorites in society, which they adorn. Mrs. C. has been a teacher of music, is organist for the Congregational Church of this place, although herself a member of the Episcopal Society, her hus- band holding a membership in the former society, of

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which he is clerk. He also holds the office of Justice of the Peace and is Notary Public ; in politics he is a Horace Greeley Democrat, not believing in party servitude, but in choosing and supporting principles which commend themselves to his judgment as best calculated to promote the welfare of the country and of the people.

Yet in the very prime of his manhood, very few men have led a more eventful life, passed through more dangers, or had a more varied experience in life than Mr. Carlton. Left without the tender care of a mother at an early age ; passing the years of his boyhood among strangers in a foreign land; meeting for years the dangers and privations of war, exposed to all the trying temptations of great cities and of business, through all vicissitudes he maintained his integrity and his honor, whether a student, merchant. soldier or citizen, and in his mature years is found always at the post of duty, a blessing to his family, a Christian and a most useful member of the com- munity. That a larger sphere of usefulness awaits him there can be no doubt.

10.

oseph Harris, deceased. Among the early settlers of Knox County, whose industry and enterprise have contributed to its de- CON velopment and growth, Joseph Harris, now deceased, is worthy of honorable mention and remembrance. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, at Centreville, April 17, 1827, and was the son of James and Rebecca C. (Jennings) Harris. He was raised in his native State and came to this county in 1853, buying land in Elba Township, and was engaged in farming there until 1869, when he moved to Abingdon and engaged in the mercantile business, still, however, retai ing his farm. In addi- tion to the carrying on of farming operations, he was also moderately engaged in the growing of cattle. He continued in the mercantile business up to within a short time of his decease, which occurred April 20, 1883.

Mr. Harris was married Sept. 19, 1854, at Roch- ester, Illinois, to Miss Matilda C. Hart, daughter of Finney and Jane (Quinn) Hart. Mrs. H. was born near Eaton, Preble Co., Ohio, Aug. 6, 1829. Of this union two children, a son and a daughter, were born,

both residing with their mother at Abingdon : Mary E., the daughter, having been born April 1, 1856, and Israel J. Oct. 24, 1857.

Mr. Harris was Justice of the Peace in 1856-7, and was Trustee of Abingdon College several years. Politically, he acted with the Republican party, but was not a strong partisan. He and wife were mem- bers of the Christian Church, as are also the present members of the family. The son, Israel, now car- ries on the farm and is a stock-grower. His father, Mr. Harris, of whom this is a biography, was of En- glish descent, and the parents of Mrs. Harris were natives of Georgia. The family is one of the most respected in the county and among its most useful and valuable people.

ohn Taylor. It is clearly apparent that the subject of this biography may be named among those who have by industry and perseverance made their way in the world. He is a farmer, whose estate lies on section 22 of Sparta Township. Mr. Taylor was born in Lancashire, England, on Ang. 8, 1829, and was the son of James and Bettie (Knight) Taylor, natives of Lancashire. They were born respectively on the 10th of August, 1797, and in November, 1797. The moth- er died in 1855, and the father in 1872. A family of eight children grew up around them, whose names are on the family record as Samuel, Joseph, Thomas, Ann, John, Jonah, Sarah and Martha.

They came to America in 1844, settling in Beaver County, Pa., where they remained 14 years and at the expiration of that time came to Illinois, in 1858, and located in Sparta Township, purchasing 80 acres of land on section 22, where they worked im- proving it, until the date of the husband's death. Samuel Taylor was the grandfather of our subject, and was from Cheshire, England. The date of his birth was April 15, 1762, and his wife was born May 12, 1769. Their family was large, including ten children, of whom James was the seventh. Hannah, Samuel and James were the only ones who came to America. At the age of seven years James was hired out to make shoepegs. After working for three years at this he was allowed three months at school, but this, with the exception of evening school, was

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the sole advantage allowed him in an educational way. On reaching the age of ten he went into a coal shaft, 1,100 feet under ground, where he worked for five years. About this time the family emigrated to America, and he was set to work in a coal mine at Sharon, Pa. He remained there until 1856, when he came to Illinois. Here he engaged in farming, on the homestead where he now lives, on section 23, which also has a coal mine, which he works. He is interested in Short-horn cattle, aad made his first purchase of the Shakers in 1871. He was united in marriage Feb. 12, 1856, to Miss Margaret Chadwick, a native of Lancashire, England. Mrs. Taylor was the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Nuttle) Chadwick. Her parents came to America in 1842, and settled in Pittsburg, Pa., where they engaged in the rolling-mills and remained in that city until their death in 1872 and 1873, respectively.

Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor have a family of seven children, as follows : James, Hamilton, Kate, Ellen, Martha, Minnie and Eugene. Mr. Taylor has taken an active interest in local affairs and accepted any office to which duty seemed to call him as the best man for the place. He is Republican in politics, and has held the office of Assessor for 31 years, besides filling acceptably the position of School Director.

yrus Bliss, a resident on section 11, Salem Township, is an extensive farmer and a self-made man in every sense the word implies. He is a native of New York, and was born May 23, 1834, in Chautauqua County. His father, Z. G. Bliss, was a native of Shaftsbury, Vt., born May 12, 1793, and em- igrated with his parents to New York when quite young. They located in Onondaga County, being very early settlers there, and his father served a time in the War of 1812.

The father of our subject was married in Onon- daga County, the lady of his choice being Miss Ma- bel Gillet. After marriage they removed to Chau- tauqna County. The father was a mechanic by trade, but was engaged in milling in Chautauqua County until 1837, when he concluded to try his fortune in the West. He consequently secured lumber and made a large raft, upon which he built shelter to ac-

commodate his family, and floated down Conewango Creek to the Ohio River and thence to Cincinnati, where he sold the lumber of which his raft was built and embarked on a steamer, and came via St. Louis and the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peoria. His first location here was made in Peoria County, where he purchased wild land, and, erecting thereon a log cabin, he was engaged in making spinning- wheels, chairs, etc., in the meantime improving his land. After a few years he sold out and removed to Stark County, remaining about eight years, at the end of which time he returned to Peoria County and en- gaged in the mercantile business at North Hampton for three years. We next find him in Minnesota, where he purchased mill property and where he re- mained a resident for three years. He returned to Illinois and settled in Princeville, where he lived until his death, in December, 1868, his wife dying at the same place in 1881. He had, however, been a resident of the latter place some time before going to Minnesota. There were 11 children born to the sen- ior Mr. Bliss and wife, 8 of whom attained the age of man and womanhood.

The subject of our sketch was three years of age when he came with his parents to Illinois, and with whom he remained until he was 17. Upon leaving home he worked out, receiving the small renumera- tion of STI per month. As times grew better his wages were increased until he was in receipt of $15.50 per month. He saved his money, and after a few years was enabled to commence farming for himself. His first purchase was made in 1861, and consisted of 20 acres of timber land, located on section 24, Sa- lem Township. Mr. Bliss continued to rent land for some years after this, but at the same time was en- gaged in clearing his own farm. He has purchased other land from time to tiine until he is now the pos- sessor of 267 acres of fertile soil, which he manages with the assistance of his sons. His farm is im- proved by good and substantial farm buildings, lo- cated within the limits of Yates City, and was pur- chased in 1883.

In 1855 Mr. Bliss was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Angeline, the accomplished and amiable daughter of Elijah and Susan Smith. She was born in Jefferson County, Pa. This union was productive of six children, by name as follows : Luther A., Clarence M., Olive V., Mary E., William

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S. and Lillie B. Mr. Bliss cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. John C. Fremont, but is a Greenbacker in politics.

W. Hensley, M. D., whose portrait we take pleasure in presenting to our readers, is one of Knox County's most prominent and worthy citizens, and was born in Mont- gomery County, Ky., Nov. 21, 1836. His father, Evan S. Hensley, was a Virginian, born in 1809, and his grandfather, Elijah Hensley, also claimed Virginia as the State of his nativity. Elijah Hensley removed to Kentucky about 1815, and was among the early settlers in Montgomery County. Buying timber land, he cleared a farm, upon which he passed the remainder of his days, dying at a good old age in the home which had been the fruit of his ambition and unremitting toil. He had served in the War of 1812, receiving a wound in one of the engagements, and had also participated in some of the Indian wars. For his time he was a man of good education, was well informed and a great reader.

The father of Dr. Hensley grew to manhood in Kentucky, reared on a farm. He commenced teach- ing when quite a young man, and followed that pro- fession for a number of years. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Anis Anderson, also a na- tive of Virginia, and they settled down in Mont- gomery County, where he engaged alternately in farming and teaching. In 1866 he removed to Illi- nois, locating in Elba Township, where he bought a farm and devoted his attention largely to it up to the date of his death, which took place Dec. 22, 1870. His widow still lives on the farm.

Dr. Hensley grew to manhood in Montgomery County, Ky., receiving a common- school education and early displaying an industry that won him golden opinions from teacher and pupils. In due time he entered the Preparatory Department of Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky., where he applied himself studiously for one year. In 1855 he came to Illinois and engaged in teaching in McDonough County. Thus he gained the means with which to continue his education. Going to Abingdon, Knox County, he entered Cherry Grove Seminary, and

there assumed the role of pupil and teacher alter- nately for the next five years. His last term was at Vermont, Fulton County. He then read medicine with Dr. Hamer, of that place. He entered the St. Louis Medical College, at St. Louis, Mo., attending lectures during the sessions of 1860-61, and then commenced the practice of his profession at Sum- mum, Fulton County. Three years later he removed to Yates City, where a large and lucrative patron- age rewarded his efforts, which now extends into Peoria and Fulton Counties. In 1864 he opened a drugstore, one of the best in Knox County, and in 1866 he entered Rush Medical College at Chicago, graduating in the spring of 1867 with the degree of M. D.

Dr. Hensley has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Elizabeth Miller, of Fulton County, their nuptials being celebrated April 9, 1858. Mrs. Hens- ley was the daughter of David Miller, a pioneer of Sangamon County, and at her death, April 14, '76, left four children-Dora, wife of A. M. Smith, living at Irving Park, Cook Co., Ill .; Herman J., a student at Rush Medical College ; Lula M., wife of W. W. Lind, living at Albuquerque, N. M .; and Grace B., now residing at home. His second marriage occurred Jan. 14, 1877, with Miss Mary Sloan, of Salem Township, born July 31, 1856, and the daughter of John and Sarah (Allen) Sloan. From their union have sprung two children-Edith Jen. and Susie J.

The Doctor is a member of Yates City Lodge, No. 448, A. F. & A. M., Eureka Chapter, No. 98, Yates City, and Galesburg Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of the Military Tract and State Medical Societies, besides belonging to the Ameri- can Medical Association. He is a man of large use- fulness in his immediate community ; has served as Supervisor of Salem Township for two years; has been l'resident of the City Council and a member of the village Board of Education, taking active meas- ures in forwarding the grading of the schools. His religious belief is Presbyterian, to which church he is united as a member by profession of faith. He is an earnest worker, a close student and a deep thinker, is honest and upright and has gained the success granted to those who struggle bravely to achieve an ambition.

In politics Dr. Hensley is Democratic, and in 1872 was nominated in convention assembled to represent Knox and Mercer Counties in the State

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Legislature, but was defeated owing to the prejudice growing out of the removal of the county seat from Knoxville to Galesburg. He is a member of the Pension Board of Surgeons, which meets at Gales- burg once each week, but notwithstanding his interest in his profession and its various avenues of useful- ness, he is fond of agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a fine farm in Salem Township. This com- prises 280 acres, on sections 12 and 13, furnished with farm buildings, commodious and convenient, and well stocked with Hereford and high-grade Short-horn cattle, horses and hogs. In carrying on his farming operations he gives employment to a number of persons, and while thus benefiting them secures much pleasure and satisfaction to himself.

B erry Lucas. Knox County includes many influential and worthy citizens within her borders, and among them, noteworthy for his energy, his diligence of purpose and his marked success, may be quoted the name of the subject of this personal sketch. Mr. L. is a farmer, residing on section 5, in Indian Point Township, and has for some length of time been in- terested in agricultural pursuits and also in the breeding of fine blooded stock. He has adopted as the name of his farm "The Tall Cedar Farm," as justly fitting its location and surroundings.

Mr. Lucas was born in Warren County, Ill., Feb. 6, 1858, and is the son of Josiah C. Lucas. His father was born July 30, 1832, in the State of Illinois, and married Miss Hannah G. Townsend, a native of New York State. Mrs. (J. C.) Lucas was born March 22, 1832, and was united in marriage with Mr. Lucas March 22, 1857. To them have been born eight children, as follows: Ola, James L., Berry, Jessie, Rosa J. and Harry C. These are the living children, and those whom they have lost by death are Guy, who died at the age of 18, and Lillie, lost in infancy.

Mr. Lucas married, Dec. 2, 1880, Miss Katie D. Jamison, who was born in Dallas County, Iowa, Jan. 10, 1859. She is the daughter of Maximilian and Sarah (Murphy) Jamison, natives of Kentucky. Her father was born Ang. 20, 1815, and died May 9, 1884, and lies at rest in the Abingdon cemetery.

He was a member of the Christian Church of that city, and had been a consistent Christian for 25 years, working in the cause of Christ Jesus and showing forth the fruits of his faith and trust in every act of his life. He was a working member in that congregation, helping forward every good enter- prise of whatever character or class.

Mr. and Mrs. Jamison are the parents of ten chil- dren, six of whom survive, as follows: Nancy E., the wife of William Hoen, whose home is in Abing- don; Robert B., who married Miss Rosie Ingles, and who also lives in Abingdon ; Gertrude A., who departed this life in infancy; John P., who married Miss Laura G. Kipper and lives in Sedalia, Mo .; Sarah H., who was united in marriage with Mr. Joel B. Atkinson and resides in Madison, Mo .; Eva L., born in 1868, and died March 24, 1872; Dora A., born Jan. 2, 1849, and died Oct. 2, 1863; George P., born March 30, 1856, and married Miss Sarah E. Collinson, and lives near Abingdon; and Katie B., born Jan. 10, 1859, married Berry Lucas, the sub- ject of this sketch.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 51

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130